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22 MAY 12 PH A: qq
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Approved as to Form and Legality
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City Attorney’s Office
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER LOREN TAYLOR AND
COUNCILMEMBER TREVA REID
RESOLUTION HONORING THE XI GAMMA OMEGA CHAPTER OF
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED ON THE
CHAPTER’S 40th ANNIVERSARY, RECOGNIZING THEIR
DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING RAISING $40,000
FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
WHEREAS, organized as the “Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha East-Bay Interest Group”, 28 trailblazing women chartered Xi Gamma Omega Chapter (“XGO”) on May 1,1982 in Oakland, California. Spearheaded by Rhita Wilson, Sherrone Smith and Shryl Hayman (XGO’s first president), were Jacqueline Adams, Margaret Amoureaux, Donna Backstrom-Jones, Rosylin Bessard, Cheryl Bolling, Doris Brown (XGO’s first Golden member), Jenifer Bums, Wayzel Fuller, Gail Gross, Anita Harris, Mabel Hazard, Michelle Jackson, Beverly Johnson, Gail Johnson Murphy, Thomasina Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Cora Lewis, Lois Madkins (Walker), Valerie Miles (Tribble), Aloysia Rochon (Fouche'), Laura Saunders (Stephens), Lemyrtle Smith (Thompson), Vivian Smith (Carter), Marye Thomas, and Thomasenia Vann. Chartered by Far Western Regional Director Charlene D. Carodine, also in attendance was 8th International President Ida L. Jackson; and i
WHEREAS, two years later in 1984, Xi Gamma Omega chartered Xi Pi undergraduate chapter at California State University, Hayward which is now California State University Eastbay.
Xi Gamma Omega chapter provides oversight and mentoring to the members of Xi Pi chapter; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, Xi Gamma Omega created the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. to more effectively address the needs of the community in its mission to serve all mankind. In concert with the Twenty Pearls Foundation, Xi Gamma Omega’s rich history boasts a number of signature fundraising events including Conversations with Authors, the Twenty Pearls Foundation Annual Golf Tournament, Day at the Races, and Off the Vine Wine Tasting. These fundraising events have helped to support the Chapter’s scholarship program. As of the end of 2021, Xi Gamma Omega awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors. In 2022 in honor of the chapter's 40th anniversary, $40,000 in scholarships was awarded; and
WHEREAS, Xi Gamma Omega’s presence in the community and City of Oakland has been impactful in the areas of education, the arts, science, mathematics and technology, health and wellness, and the Black Family - youth, adults, and seniors. Its history is detailed in the Chapter’s second place 2014 Chapter History Book, housed in Howard University’s Moorland-Spingarn Center; and
WHEREAS, Xi Gamma Omega is an award-winning chapter. At the 93rd Far Western Regional Conference held in Los Angeles from April 25- May 1,2022 the chapter earned the first place award for their Target 5 Global Impact efforts in the Exemplifying Excellence International program. /The chapter was also recognized once again by the region for their voter education and engagement activities by receiving the Billie Jean Barrett AKA Connection Innovation Award; and
WHEREAS, Xi Gamma Omega has grown exponentially since its birth in 1982. The chapter remained steadfast at around 65 members for nearly 30 years. In 2012, the chapter grew from a “medium” to “large” chapter with over 100 members. The chapter currently has a membership of over 170; and
WHEREAS, chapter members include women in varied fields of endeavor - entrepreneurs, educators, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, a judge, attorneys, engineers, accountants, ministers, realtors, probation officers, human resource executives, social workers, program administrators, and technology professionals. Members have participated in the sorority at both regional and national levels in keeping with the words of the Alpha Kappa Alpha hymn: “By merit and culture, we strive and we do.”; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland hereby honors Xi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated on the Chapter’s 40th Anniversary, recognizing their dedication and service to the community, including recently raising $40,000 for scholarships for local students.
MAY 172022IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, KALB, KAPLAN, REID, TAYLOR, THAO AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES -
ABSENT ~
ABSTENTION-
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
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